Best of America by Horseback host Tom Seay.

LIVE OAK, Fla. — The Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranch and horseback trail riders will be showcased on the national television show Best of America by Horseback in March.

The television production crew will arrive at the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranch on Friday, March 23, and on Saturday, March 24, will film riders from the entire North Florida area that wish to ride with America’s Foremost Trail Master.

Janet Sampson, of the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranch, said the ranch had been hosting trail rides for the public for a few years and Best of America by Horseback reached out to possibly film the trail rides.

“It is a great opportunity for us to share our property with others,” Sampson said.

The filmed trail ride will be Saturday, March 24, at 10 a.m. The riders will go on sandy trails through open fields and under the canopies of live oak, Spanish Moss, Pine trees and along the historic Suwannee River. 

Following the trail ride, there will be horse-drawn carriage rides along the ranch to see more of the ranch grounds and learn more about what they do at the ranch and how they help the youth in Florida.

“It should be a fun day,” Sampson said. “It is a good way for the children to spend time with other horse-oriented people.”

A banquet will be held Saturday evening with a catered dinner and local entertainment.

“We are delighted to be invited to visit the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranch for this trail ride and related events,” host Tom Seay said. “We invite all area trail riders to consider riding with us and appearing on the television show.”

Seay is best known for his historic 3,000-mile Atlantic to Pacific Ride, which was covered on CNN and featured in a European documentary on the American West. More recently, he led a 2,000-mile trail ride from Old Mexico to Canada.

“I’m extremely excited about this ride and showing the great work of the Florida Sheriff Youth Ranch,” co-host Kristen Biscoe said. “I’m particularly excited about including additional trail rides for gaited horses and their riders to be on the show.”

The television show has aired for 14 years on RFD-TV. 

Spots are still available to participate in the ride. Proceeds from the ride will benefit Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches.

For more information, contact Best of America by Horseback office at 540-829-9555 or visit the website at www.bestofamericabyhorseback.com.